Queen of Evasion

I’m often amazed at the level of subterfuge Mothers go through to endure.  Since summer break began survival mode kicked in. It’s enough that I have to give up my peace for the constant pattering of feet, but now I’m pestered with requests. We’ve worked past “I’m bored” with threats to clean despicable places and progressed to “When can I?”

In preparation for the long summer days, I booked our daughters into summer movies, play dates in the park and each has a summer class. Between that and meal time, I insist that they find something to do. The problem is their idea versus mine.

I think the pile of toys and neighbor kids as adequate entertainment, but they have come up with requests, usually “take me somewhere”. When they ask when the next time they can go ______, I’ve turned into a recorder and say “Some time.” Noncommittal is my defense. Unfortunately I only get away with it half of the time. They shrug and walk away or torment me for a specific time. Then I pull out the guns—“I’m not sure when.”

It’s only been a week. Can I survive? How do mothers endure? Must we resort to lying and dodging? I’m determined to be strong. There must be a line between caring for our children and being their source of entertainment. I once read “If a mother’s place is in the home, why am I always in the car.” I will fight that scenario. Oh, to have lived ages past when kids were self entertained…

Quirks

I had an epiphany this morning as I lay in bed cringing at each clink and bang in the kitchen as my husband got ready for the day. Two actually—I have Superman hearing and my irritation over the noises my husband created is really my own fault. It would be unfair to criticize or place the blame on his shoulders. My annoyance is merely a reflection of my own quirks--a skewed perspective.

How many times do we find faults in our spouse that result from our finicky natures? Do we find issues with things another person would shrug off? I thought about writing down all my complaints about my husband’s nuances and then I pictured him doing the same and tossed the idea out. The word petty came to mind and I’m feeling guilty.

Perhaps a mental list would work. I’ve already started on mine—the exhuming of fumes in front of me…just my super scenter in overdrive, the clothes strewn on the floor…just a reaction to my voiced impatience to have him by my side. No, it’s not all my fault, nor should he be excused from details, but could I be more tolerant. YES. And maybe if I tossed out the annoyance at his quirks I might find some missing sparks. PerhapsJ

Daughters of Jared Review

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore is an incredible novel. Instantly, you step into the world of the Jaredites, engulfed by culture and the importance of heritage. Moore’s ability to incorporate the factual events into her novel deserves acclaim, especially with the reference of daughters only mentioned in a few versus in the book of Ether. Her ability to weave a tale that captures your heart and imagination is brilliant.

This story came to life through many themes, particularly that of the strength of sisters. Naiva’s determinedness to stand beside her family despite their incorrect actions can be both applauded and cringe-worthy, yet it endears us to her, knowing that we are guilty of similar actions. The sweet love story of Naiva and Levi entwined amidst controversy establishes the importance of love from the heart and not for convenience or power. The distinctions of right and wrong are painted so vividly the reader has no choice but to cheer on tireless doers of righteousness and willingly curse those who choose evil.

Step into this Book of Mormon story to experience the scriptures come to life, so tangible they speak straight to your heart. Be prepared to devote a day as Daughters of Jared will capture you entirely.

Survive with Laughter

Life is difficult and love a challenge, so my recipe to survive and succeed in both is laughter. The process comes in many forms:

·         Chuckle—what may start as a sympathetic laugh can offer the chance to reflect on happiness

·         Snort—the perfect response when we’re tossed something ridiculous. It’s far better than a scoff

·         Guffaw—a challenge to life to throw us more, we can handle it.

·         Giggle—when we just encountered the most awkward or disastrous situation, a laugh of embarrassment rather than allowing tears to flow

·         Snicker—our reaction to other struggling, which should help us know we aren’t alone.

When life throws poop on us, I believe we need to choose laughter as our response. Standing straight or doubling over, let joy bubble up rather than despair bring us down. When love gives us the same challenge, can we respond to our differences with laughter? Perhaps find the humor in the ridiculousness of our battles?

Take my silly challenge and let laughter fill you up. Remember that you are not alone in life’s woes and a good laugh of any sort gives the best remedy.

Regency Revival

I love the Regency Period, so heavily influenced by Jane Austen. The simplicity of life, manners abundant and moral nature has drawn me into its clutches. If I could find a worm hole to transport me back all present concerns would be dropped in an instance.

Since handed my first copy of Georgette Heyer as a means to surviving bed rest with my twins, I have been hooked. Unfortunately I’m a voracious reader and easily swallowed her books. In my search for similar content I have been sadly disappointed until recently. Four authors, all thought not all of them are new, have revived me. Each has a different style and approach, but all are equally delightful.

Julie Klassen’s writing is an encyclopedia of knowledge. Each novel delves into a different and not so common aspect of Regency England. Although deep in content, her characters are engaging. You are immersed in their trials. When you reach the final page, you can officially label yourself well educated.

Patricia Veryan takes us back a period to Georgian times, and allows us to see the events that  influence the Regency period. Her novels are characteristically in series and I highly suggest reading in order, not for content but to follow the characters lives. She is equally educating her readers and provides a delightful balance of romance and intrigue.

Sarah Eden brings a wonderful humor to Regency. She has captured the nuances and applied them in a comical and endearing manner. Her characters are easily loved and her wit makes each chapter come alive. Rather new to the collection of Regency, she adds the perfect balance of love, reality and laughter.

Heidi Ashworth has captured Heyer’s writing of the perfect battle of wills between the hero and heroine. The twists and turns incorporated in the story draw you in eager to resolve the latest quarrel and misunderstanding.

As I devour these authors’ treats, I will never stop my endless quest to read more about the perfect period. I hope you will discover these amazing authors and once again step back into a Regency.

Summer Scramble

As summer approaches, free time for mother of school age kids disappears. Those precious moments of shopping without requests, lunch of leftovers without picky eaters, and even nap time will never be the same. At least for three months. Of course, on the positive side the homework disappears as well.

I find myself dreading the last day of school and the beginning of “I’m bored” time. Fortunately, I have young kids who can be easily entertained with toys. Heaven forbid turning into a mom who shuffles kids from one arena to another just to keep them happy. Somehow, my moments of school time peace must be captured. Errands must be endured.

So for the past few months I have been working on THE PLAN. This process has been tested and so far it’s worked. INCENTIVE- I’ve posted all the fun activities--each individual toy to crafts mixed in with playdates and paid activities. Most don't require my presence.  DETERENT- I’ve pulled out the dreaded chore list and on the top is Clean Trash Cans (those with colorful stains and stuck-on unknowns at the bottom).  PROCESS- With a few reminders in the beginning when they state “I’m bored” to look at the list followed by the threat that more comments will mean cleaning garbage cans. So armed with my plan, I hope to succeed and squeeze out a few moments of mommy time.

Dates? Romantic torture or success

While writing my latest novel, I've .realized that I truly have no experience in the art of dating. Dinner and a movie hardly qualify as a true date (Sorry, sweetheart. It works now, but would have got you nowhere:)

My claim to three boyfriends seems contradictory since I found them at dances and then hung out for a few months until things fizzled (shocker, I know). My husband and I met online, courted through emails and only have a few dates prior to our wedding as the 1000 miles between us proved a hindrance.

So, dear readers, I'm interested in your dates...past or present, failures and successes. . No hanging out stories--I've mastered that! What made it successful, and what caused it to flop? I'd like reality to spin into my writing. Thanks.